The Founders Conference 2026.
Zambia's premier student and youth entrepreneurship conference — designed to inspire, connect and equip the next generation of founders, innovators, entrepreneurs and change-makers.
One day. One national stage. The Founders Pitch Challenge, the main conference and the official Awards Ceremony — hosted at the Multipurpose Hall, Mulungushi University, Kabwe on Friday, 25 September 2026.
National participation. Zambia's future founders under one roof.
A national platform for the next generation of builders.
Vision
To convene Zambia's most ambitious students, young founders and leaders in conversations that shape the country's — and Africa's — future.
Mission
Inspire the next generation of African leaders, connect students with accomplished professionals, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Objectives
- Inspire the next generation of African leaders
- Identify and elevate promising founders and student-led ventures
- Connect students with accomplished professionals
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship
- Facilitate strategic partnerships
- Bridge the gap between academia and industry
- Create opportunities for mentorship and collaboration
One day. One national stage.
Founders Pitch Challenge
The opening session dedicated to identifying and elevating Zambia's most promising founders and student-led ventures.
- → Startup Pitch Competitions
- → Business Idea Presentations
- → Innovation Showcases
- → Student Founder Pitches
- → Entrepreneurial Solution Demonstrations
- → Investor and Judge Interactions
- → Venture Feedback Sessions
Participants will compete for recognition, awards, exposure, mentorship opportunities and ecosystem support.
The Founders Conference & Awards
The main conference session and the official Awards Ceremony — a national convening of students, founders, professionals and industry leaders inside the Multipurpose Hall.
- → Keynote Addresses
- → Founder Stories
- → Entrepreneurship Sessions
- → Leadership Talks
- → Innovation Conversations
- → Career Development Discussions
- → Student Empowerment Sessions
- → Networking Opportunities
- → Panel Discussions
- → Official Awards Ceremony
The official Awards Ceremony closes the day inside the Multipurpose Hall at Mulungushi University.
Walk in with potential. Walk out with purpose.
Meet founders, students and leaders from across Zambia under one roof.
Learn from established entrepreneurs building real ventures on the continent.
Be moved by stories of grit, vision and impact from Africa's boldest builders.
Direct exposure to industry leaders, investors and ecosystem partners.
Encounter ideas, products and ventures shaping the next decade.
Spark collaborations across institutions, organisations and sectors.
The voices on stage.
A curated lineup of founders, executives and changemakers shaping Africa's future. More speakers to be announced.
Official Agenda Coming Soon.
The full conference agenda is currently being finalised. Detailed schedules for keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, founder talks, networking sessions, the Founders Pitch Challenge and the Awards Ceremony will be released soon.
Check back regularly for updates, or join the waitlist to be notified the moment the official agenda is published.
Get Event UpdatesRecognising Zambia's boldest builders.
The official Awards Ceremony will close The Founders Conference on Friday, 25 September 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Mulungushi University, Kabwe. Awards will celebrate outstanding founders, innovators and student-led ventures across multiple categories.
Additional award categories may be announced later.
- ★ Founders Pitch Challenge
- ★ Innovation Categories
- ★ Entrepreneurship Categories
- ★ Outstanding Student Founder Categories
- ★ Special Recognition Categories
Multipurpose Hall · Mulungushi University, Kabwe.
The Founders Conference 2026 will be hosted inside the Multipurpose Hall at Mulungushi University in Kabwe, Central Province — a fitting setting for a national gathering of students, founders and leaders shaping Zambia's future.
Directions, accreditation and arrival details will be shared with all confirmed delegates ahead of the event.
Be the first through the gates.
Something extraordinary is coming. THE FORGE is bringing together ambitious young people, startup founders, innovators, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, ecosystem builders, industry leaders and change-makers from across Zambia and beyond.
Whether you are building a startup, exploring entrepreneurship, advancing your career, leading a community initiative, developing innovative solutions or seeking meaningful connections — TFC26 is designed for you.
- → Receive priority updates on ticket releases
- → Be among the first to access delegate registration
- → Stay informed about speakers, partners and announcements
- → Become part of the growing TFC26 ecosystem
Open to participants from all provinces of Zambia and international delegates. The link will open the official Google Form in a new tab.
Zero ticket fee. 100% free entry.
The Founders Conference 2026 is officially a FREE ENTRY event. There is no cost to attend — the Founders Pitch Challenge, the main conference and the Awards Ceremony are open at no charge to all confirmed delegates at the Multipurpose Hall, Mulungushi University, Kabwe.
Attendance is open to:
- ● University Students
- ● College Students
- ● Secondary School Students
- ● Entrepreneurs
- ● Professionals
- ● Startups
- ● Organizations
- ● Institutions
- ● General Delegates
Seats are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Join the waitlist now to be among the first to claim your free seat when registration opens.
Claim Your Free SeatThings to know.
When and where is the conference?+
Friday, 25 September 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Mulungushi University, Kabwe — Central Province, Zambia.
Is the event in-person or online?+
TFC26 is an in-person event held at the Multipurpose Hall, Mulungushi University, Kabwe. Confirmed delegates attend physically on the day.
Who can attend?+
University, college and senior secondary students, entrepreneurs, professionals, startups, organisations, institutions and general delegates from across Zambia and beyond.
How much does it cost to attend?+
The Founders Conference 2026 is a FREE ENTRY event. There is no ticket fee — attendance is completely free for all confirmed delegates. Seats inside the Multipurpose Hall are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis via the official waitlist.
How do I register?+
Registration is opening soon and is completely free. Join the official waitlist to be among the first to secure your free seat when the portal goes live.
When will the full agenda be released?+
The official agenda is currently being finalised and will be released ahead of the event. Check back regularly for updates.